Off Fox News, on with the show

This year, he has been mentioned 146 times in newspapers, 72 times in Web-based publications, 602 times in blogs and 25 news transcripts, which includes appearances on Fox News’s “On the Record with Greta Van Susteren,” “Hannity” and “Fox News Sunday.” He’s also recently stopped by NBC’s “Meet the Press” and ABC’s “This Week,” and he has appeared on a number of shows on CNN, the network he’s currently in discussions with about a possible role on the potentially soon-to-relaunch “Crossfire,” sources have previously told POLITICO.

It’s not a surprise that someone like Gingrich should maintain a robust media presence after Fox News, said former paid contributor Marc Lamont Hill, who was fired from Fox News in 2009 and now is a HuffPost Live host. Being released from Fox News, Hill said, is something he considers a big positive for his media career, allowing him “to articulate ideas and to be more thoughtful.”

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As for Santorum, after losing his Senate seat in 2006, he signed a deal the following year to serve as a Fox News channel contributor. He stayed with the network until March 2011, when Fox News suspended him, along with Gingrich, until each made the respective decision to run for president. Although the bid failed, his 2012 campaign directly translated into major name ID and buzz for another run in 2016.

With an eye on the next election — Santorum senior strategist John Brabender says the Republican has “not hidden from the fact that he’s at least very open to the idea of taking a second look at running for president” — Santorum’s also looking beyond Fox.

And in a way, Fox News already served its purpose for Santorum. Signing in 2007 was perfect timing for Santorum: He was able to generate name recognition outside Washington and his home state of Pennsylvania through his regular appearances on the network before kicking off his campaign.

Today, Brabender said, the former Fox News contributor has plenty of media projects on his plate, mostly notably with Patriot Voices, Santorum’s “grass-roots and online community” of supporters. The organization currently has an online radio show that broadcasts every other Tuesday, and there are plans to broaden its media output.

There’s also a book on the horizon that Santorum is writing with his wife, Karen, as well as an announcement soon about his involvement in the film industry. He’s been doing a regular column that was picked up by Townhall, and Brabender told POLITICO the former Republican senator plans to keep writing extensively, giving speeches around the country and start increasing his appearances on TV.

“There is a positive to that experience that lasts, in lecture fees, in enhanced visibility,” said Graham. “There’s a benefit to being on Fox that lasts.”